A panel of technology entrepreneurs gave advice to teenage girls about starting tech companies, and admitted there’s a reason people are “falling into tech”

More and more people claim to have “fallen into” a technology career rather than actively pursue one. According to a panel of entrepreneurs, this is because technology is slowly penetrating every sector and profession.

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Gender diversity in the technology sector

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Girls in ICT Day, which took place on 28 April 2016, is designed to encourage more young women to take an interest in technology.

During the event, entrepreneurs who started technology companies explained how they had found themselves in their current job.

The panellists admitted they had not originally pursued a career in technology, but had used technology as an enabler to address their business needs.

“Technology is so much more accessible than ever. Building a website 20 years ago would cost you £20,000. I could put one up today for around £20 that would still look good,” said Henry Ludlam,CEO at startup Team First.

“Accessibility to tech is going up, and we’re underestimating how big a part technology is going to play in everything.

“Tech will be the industry, it will touch everything. You can’t escape it,” he said.

Ludlam told the girls at the event that they have the opportunity to start technology business now, and should do so as soon as possible.

“You are in the best position to start a business because you don’t have any costs,” he said.

Diversity in technology

After starting his business as a university student, Ludlam advised that the best course of action for young people is to “get going” and set up a technology business, as participating in the technology industry feels like an “awesome party” that is getting better every year.

“Our society needs technology, it’s one of the biggest, most important and fastest growing sectors. Our society needs girls to be more involved because, with the huge under-representation, we’re just giving ourselves a brain drain,” he said.

Melinda Nicci, CEO and founder of Baby2Body, said the lack of role models available to young women made the technology industry “daunting”, and claimed the industry should work harder at dispelling tech stereotypes.

“You don’t have to be a technologist or a scientist. You don’t need to like maths. If girls are frightened of technology, they’re not going to be able to find their place in the world.”

Tips for technology startups

As part of the event, the girls were encouraged to pitch an idea for a technology startup to the panel, who acted as Dragon’s Den style judges.

Marina Atarova, co-founder of Dreamstake, gave the girls the following advice:

It’s never too early to be an entrepreneur: “You might think you’re too young, but entrepreneurs come in all sizes and shapes.”

Love what you do: “You have to be passionate in your field. Try to do it in an area that you’re passionate about.”

Learn from others: “Try to find a mentor in your early stages, it’s all about learning and getting a mentorship.”

Get a ‘dream team’ that can help you with your cause: “You can’t do everything yourself, even if you’re great.”

Have a plan: “Having a plan is very important to help you understand where you’re going, and for when you start to pitch.”

Take baby steps: “Building a business is really tough because it’s a big thing to do. Use milestones. It’s so much easier to build your goals step by step than to jump in straight away.”

Always take action and “don't think too much”.

Learn how to sell, starting with self-promotion: “Be confident, talk about yourself to everyone and it will teach you how to present yourself.”

Build your brand: “You can start creating your brand right now. You can use social networks to start to create your business and your personal brand, which is really important.”

Stay positive: “Things will get tough, but you need to get out there and be as positive as you can.”

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